There are so many rival factions operating across Syria that communications is a recurring problem, and the US has repeatedly dialed back communications with Russia to “protest” Russia’s backing of the Syrian government.

The realization that such miscommunications are always a danger has raised at least temporary interest in improved communications. In addition to the Dunford-Gerasimov conversation, officials say that Rex Tillerson and Sergey Lavrov also had talks, while other figures on both sides also discussed ways to limit such dangers in the future.